President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday met with Dr. Patrick Herminie, President of the Republic of Seychelles, to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed welcomed President Herminie to the UAE, extending his congratulations on assuming office and wishing him success in guiding Seychelles towards continued progress and prosperity.
In response, President Herminie congratulated Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed on the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, expressing his wishes for the country’s continued development and prosperity. He also emphasised his commitment to advancing the relationship between the UAE and Seychelles.
The leaders discussed broadening bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors, including the economy, trade, renewable energy, sustainability, education, government modernisation, and other areas aligned with the shared development objectives of both nations.
President Herminie expressed gratitude for the UAE’s ongoing support for Seychelles’ development, highlighting the role of Emirati assistance in advancing the country’s sustainable development agenda.
Background
The UAE and Seychelles have maintained diplomatic relations since the late 1970s, with ties centred on economic cooperation, investment, and development assistance. The archipelagic nation has benefited from Emirati support in key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and health, while the UAE has invested in projects that enhance trade and connectivity in the Indian Ocean region.
In recent years, the UAE has sought to strengthen its engagement with island nations in the region, including Seychelles, through partnerships focused on sustainable development, climate resilience, and knowledge transfer. Seychelles, a small island economy heavily reliant on tourism and fisheries, has welcomed Emirati investment and expertise, seeing it as a driver of economic diversification and long-term stability.
Renewable energy and sustainability have emerged as priority areas for cooperation. The UAE has supported solar and energy efficiency projects in Seychelles, while both countries have explored joint initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainable development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Educational and cultural exchanges have also deepened ties, with scholarships, training programmes, and institutional partnerships fostering closer people-to-people links. Government modernisation and digital transformation have been additional focus areas, reflecting the UAE’s experience in building efficient, technology-driven governance systems.
The strategic partnership between the UAE and Seychelles is also underpinned by shared interests in regional security, maritime trade, and environmental protection in the Indian Ocean. Both governments have repeatedly emphasised the importance of cooperation to safeguard economic growth, stability, and sustainable resource management in the region.
Sunday’s meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, expand economic ties, and align development strategies to meet shared objectives. As small island states face unique challenges, including vulnerability to climate change and reliance on external investment, partnerships with larger economies such as the UAE are seen as crucial for long-term resilience and prosperity.
The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Seychelles have enjoyed diplomatic relations since the late 1970s, with ties growing steadily over the decades. Initially focused on trade and investment, the relationship has expanded to encompass development cooperation, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships in areas such as renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Seychelles, an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean with a population of just under 100,000, relies heavily on tourism and fisheries for revenue. Its geographic location makes it strategically important for maritime trade and regional security, while its small size and vulnerability to climate change have made foreign investment and development support vital to its long-term stability. The UAE has emerged as one of the country’s key development partners, providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives.
Economic relations between the two countries have grown steadily. UAE investors have funded projects in renewable energy, real estate, tourism, and logistics, while bilateral trade has increasingly focused on goods and services that support sustainable development. The UAE has also promoted knowledge transfer and human capital development through educational programmes, vocational training, and scholarships for Seychellois students.
